Wyclef Jean steps toward presidential race

Grammy-winning singer Wyclef Jean says he has taken legal steps toward running for president in quake-devastated Haiti, but has not made a definite decision.

Jean, 37, who was born in Haiti but raised in the United States, also confirmed he is qualified to run for Haiti's highest office.

He told reporters outside Port-au-Prince international airport that he travelled to Haiti to work with lawyers and have his fingerprints taken by the judicial police as part of the legal process of preparing to run for president.

"I basically come out to Haiti today because it was important that I do my fingerprints," Jean said.

"There are a lot of rumours that I am running for president. I have not declared that.

"If we decide to move forward, I am pretty sure that we have all our paperwork straight."

Haiti, which was ravaged on January 12 by a deadly 7.0-magnitude earthquake, is scheduled to vote on November 28 to elect a new leader to replace president Rene Preval, whose term ends in February.

The deadline for candidates to register is August 7.

Jean said he will make his decision with his wife Claudinette and their daughter Angelina.

"As a family, we must decide on what we're going to do because it is a big sacrifice," he said.

Sources close to the singer say Jean will officially announce his candidacy next week on CNN before flying back to Haiti to enter the race.

When asked about such plans, Jean did not confirm nor deny the preparations.

Many analysts predict Jean, who is very popular among Haitians, particularly the young, would easily win the election if his candidacy were approved.

Jean immigrated to the US at the age of nine, but has maintained his Haitian citizenship - a prerequisite for running.

News of his possible candidacy has created panic among traditional politicians and power holders who have long planned to run.

They fear Jean's popularity and financial resources would give him a campaign advantage they could not hope to match.

A three-time Grammy winner, Jean was a founding member of the hip-hop trio The Fugees and won wider fame for his collaboration with Colombian pop star Shakira.